Vander to the NBA draft

[Pakuni]

Jeff Goodman does not approve.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/22083950/marquettes-vander-blue-heading-to-nba

In one of the more baffling, head-scratching decisions of the offseason, Marquette junior guard Vander Blue has opted to leave early for the NBA.

The 6-foot-4 wing had a terrific season for Buzz Williams and the Golden Eagles. There's no debating that. He averaged 14.8 points and helped lead Marquette to the Elite Eight. However, he'll likely be taken somewhere in the second round in June's NBA Draft -- or he may even fail to hear his name called altogether on Thursday, June 27.

[MUFlutieEffect]

Vander isn't even considered in either ESPN's "underclassmen who might be leaving article" OR Chad Ford's "Top 100 Draft Prospects."  I feel like he must have had some major reassurance for specific NBA teams that they'd pick him up.

[TheDOC816]

Vander isn't even considered in either ESPN's "underclassmen who might be leaving article" OR Chad Ford's "Top 100 Draft Prospects."  I feel like he must have had some major reassurance for specific NBA teams that they'd pick him up.

You would hope so but I fear it's family pressure to go

[brewcity77]

As I tweeted, Van getting drafted is my new prediction. My guess is late first round, but I definitely no doubt believe he will be drafted.

[CAGASS24]

let's just rewind to the middle of last season, if you had said that Van would turn it on like he did, we go to the elite 8, and he goes pro, do you say then that is a huge success for our program?

If yes, then theres no point in revisionist comments now.

[Golden Avalanche]

Jeff Goodman does not approve.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/22083950/marquettes-vander-blue-heading-to-nba

In one of the more baffling, head-scratching decisions of the offseason, Marquette junior guard Vander Blue has opted to leave early for the NBA.

The 6-foot-4 wing had a terrific season for Buzz Williams and the Golden Eagles. There's no debating that. He averaged 14.8 points and helped lead Marquette to the Elite Eight. However, he'll likely be taken somewhere in the second round in June's NBA Draft -- or he may even fail to hear his name called altogether on Thursday, June 27.

Considering everyone believes Goodman (and Parrish) to be Buzz' mouthpiece regarding coaching searches, do we now see Scoop go on the offensive that Goodman is relating Buzz' true thoughts?

[nyg]

Jeff Goodman does not approve.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/22083950/marquettes-vander-blue-heading-to-nba

In one of the more baffling, head-scratching decisions of the offseason, Marquette junior guard Vander Blue has opted to leave early for the NBA.

The 6-foot-4 wing had a terrific season for Buzz Williams and the Golden Eagles. There's no debating that. He averaged 14.8 points and helped lead Marquette to the Elite Eight. However, he'll likely be taken somewhere in the second round in June's NBA Draft -- or he may even fail to hear his name called altogether on Thursday, June 27.

This.  No first round money, no guarentee contract, NBDL.  No way he beats out the other prospects to the first round. 

[NavinRJohnson]

Boy, there I look over mock drafts, the smarter this decision becomes. When you see names like, Russ Smith, Phil Pressey, DeShaun Thomas...even guys like Gieng and Withey despite their size, who generally fall in that late first/early second area, do not appear to me at least be very good NBA prospects, which is what this is about. Those saying he has "no chance" are probably paying more attention to his flaws than his strengths. That's natural given the familiarity we all have, but not the way it works.

[Boone]

Won't help any...unless you count earning a degree with that extra year.

[Abode4life]

let's just rewind to the middle of last season, if you had said that Van would turn it on like he did, we go to the elite 8, and he goes pro, do you say then that is a huge success for our program?

If yes, then theres no point in revisionist comments now.

Your original post says nothing about going to the elite 8.  Vander did turn it on, but his shot is improving but still could use a lot of work for the NBA.  Granted i hope he becomes an All-Star, and only time will tell, but IMO he is leaving too early.

[ATWizJr]

You sure made the right call when you chose to reopen your recruiting.  Good luck and God bless.  

[Hards Alumni]

But drafted where?  Safe would be getting your degree, improving this year and then going.  Nothing is guaranteed for Vander right now. Nothing.

But your assumption is that he will improve.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Yes, there is. Because they didn't have him declaring this year. You don't pick a guy to get drafted this year and next year, that's just silly. Vander will be drafted. Honestly, I think he'll be a late first round pick, but I have no doubt he will be drafted.

Did you get your beer yet?  It's on its way.  Would you like to have a bet whether he is first round or not?  I hope you are right and definitely willing to reward you again for another great pick if it happens.  I don't see it.  I'm having great trouble seeing 2nd rounder.

I am trying to interview one of the DraftExpress guys today and will post to CrackedSidewalks if able.

[GGGG]

You would hope so but I fear it's family pressure to go

Nope.  His family wants him to stay in school.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Sure it is.  Do you guys really think that Blue would just declare for the draft on a whim?  Really?  He has been told that he will get drafted.

It happens all the time, kids get advice they will be drafted and they aren't drafted.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Jeff Goodman does not approve.

Which by the transitive property means Buzz Williams......................

[NavinRJohnson]

It happens all the time, kids get advice they will be drafted and they aren't drafted.

That's true, and kids also get advice that they will get drafted, and they are.

[ChicosBailBonds]

But your assumption is that he will improve.

Yes, after 3 straight years of improving and a good post season, the assumption is that the trajectory would continue.

[CAGASS24]

I got it, I am converging to two distinct dialogues here, should vander leave and what is the state of MU BBall given that development.

Im not sure one way or the other whether vander should leave.  While I think he would have continued to improve, there is no denying what a performance like his in the NCAA tourney does for a draft stock.  His "demand" is pretty high right now, relatively speaking, and even if he is a "better" player by this time next year, is there the same amount of buzz about him if we don't replicate the success?  Its obviously a very tough decision, I hope he makes the best of it and am coming to grips with the fact that MU will be fine and perhaps will even continue to rise as a result.

[Goose]

I give the kid credit. He has had a goal from day one and has out himself in position to live out that dream. Best of luck to him and I will watch his career closely.

[PaintTouchesSays]

The aftermath of Vander Blue: Where Marquette goes from here
      

Written by: Mark Strotman
            

Rumors that came on strong last Tuesday only magnified throughout the week that junior guard Vander Blue was considering forgoing his senior year to enter the 2013 NBA draft. Those rumors came to fruition earlier today when Blue announced he ... Continue reading →


            

http://painttouches.com/2013/04/16/the-aftermath-of-vander-blue-where-marquette-goes-from-here/
      

[swoopem]

I think something that is in play here is the fact that his friends from the USA team he was on are all in the NBA and having some success. He started in a back court with Kyrie and Austin Rivers so I bet that he thinks he is just as good as those guys and deserves to get paid.

Personally I don't think he will get drafted in the first round but really hope he does because that would be huge for the program. In reality it seems like he will be traveling Europe without a championship ring or a college degree, but hey best of luck and I'm rooting for you.

[AirPunches]

If Vander goes in the first round then it was a great move. He knows he played the best basketball of his life this year and maybe feels that he has hit his peak in college. I think he's ready for it and I wouldn't underestimate him. He'll be drafted and have a good career in the NBA. I also believe that MU will replace Blue's production and will be fine next year. I will feel the same way if Jamil Wilson decides to go too.

[Lennys Tap]

Good luck Vander.  You grew up a lot in the last year, especially from a maturity stand point.  Hope it works out and you made the correct decision.  Can't fault anyone for pursuing their dreams, I just hope the timing is right to make sure those dreams are within reach this year rather than next.

So I guess we can put to rest the nonsense that "we can put to rest the Vander to the NBA nonsense", no?

[bilsu]

Yes, after 3 straight years of improving and a good post season, the assumption is that the trajectory would continue.

He could be a better individual player next year, but not be a better team player, if his game focused on improving his draft status. It also seems like the NBA downgrades you the older you get, so even a small improvement would be offset by the age factor.